Astronium

Astronium is a rare resource found in the outer core layers of all planets. It is obtained from deposits deep underground near planetary cores, and in the F.A.R.M. update it can also appear inside purple sturdysquash. Prior to Patch 1.0, Astronium deposits and nuggets had different color states, but in its current form the resource is identified by a distinctive fuchsia-to-purple gradient.

Astronium has several late-game uses and is most often treated as a valuable trade and event material. It can be researched for 500 bytes over 2.5 minutes at 200 Bpm per nugget, traded on the Trade Platform for various items, and used to open EXO Dynamics Research Aids, which reward a QT-RTG. During the EXO Automated Mass Production Protocol event, Astronium can be sent through the EXO Request Platform after the main milestones are complete, granting a care package for every 80 Astronium sent. It was also used in the Project CHEER Delivery LTE to craft Cosmic Baubles in a Small Printer by combining Astronium and Scrap.

• Astronium is only found in the outer core regions of planets, making it a deep mining target rather than a surface resource.
• The resource is valuable enough that players often save it for trading, event submissions, or research rather than spending it immediately.
• Historical information notes that Astronium once appeared in small quantities on the surface of Radiated, but after Patch 1.0 it became restricted to planetary outer cores.
• The Trade Platform accepts Astronium in exchange for multiple item types, making it one of the more flexible exchange resources in the game.